Blog it.

So here I am, the first week of my 4th semester of college.

So far, So good.
My classes seem pretty chill, and easy going. I'm taking:
Sociology through Film
Contemporary Cinema
Geology: Environment and Natural Disasters
History of Native Americans

My film classes are fun because they're back to back so I get to watch and talk about movies for a good 3 hours. I'm really interested to see what kind of things I'll write about for my sociology class, the movies that are on our list are very interesting, movies that I've seen plenty of times; so I guess we'll see.

Tuesday night I started talking to my family about my classes, and my parents asked why I was taking the History of Native Americans, so I told them,
-"Well I wanted to meet more natives and what not, plus learn more about other cultures, but the problem I faced was everyone in my class is...well NOT native. I'm the only one. So that plan went out the door."
(Zack starts laughing and says)
-"Well duh there aren't any Natives in that class, the REAL natives already know about their history!"
Then as always my family starts crackin up laughing. I totally walked into that one. so oh well I'll be the minority in the class, literally.

This time around I actually want to be serious about this, get my grades up and actually graduate with honors for once. Wish me luck. I also want to get done with community college ASAP, I feel so behind because alot of my friends are starting to graduate with their associates, and I had to take the long route. haha.

What's next after CGCC??

Most likely ASU. I know I know "What happened to BYU? Well as much as I would love to go, I really enjoy my job, and I have a good thing going here in AZ, an opportunity to have a career, So I want to get in as much experience as I can. I have people well my Supervisor James who is pushing for me to go to Grand Canyon University here in Phoenix, but NO WAY!

So here I go, starting another chapter in my life.

"when i'm happy when Nichelle Comes home"

(title as said by kristen)

So I arrived back in AZ at 7:30. and boy I am happy to be back.

Now i'm going to answer the question of the day.

"why did you move back?"

-couldn't hack it??

<<<NO THAT'S NOT THE REASON>>>

Well, the big issue was money, lets just say the money made at JCP wasn't going to cut it, for the bills I have. Plus school was another issue for me. a lot of brick walls hit, first the community college credits I had didn't even make a dent at UVU. So basically I was starting all over; a giant waste! Then the financial side of school was an issue too, everytime I'd go to get money or a loan it would take forever to get processed or just wouldn't happen.

So last thursday I made the decision, yeah I need to go home. After this started forming doors opened back in AZ.I was able to get my old job-but be promoted to a higher position. Plus I was able to get back into school easier.The only thing I didn't want to leave in Utah was my friends. I have had an AMAZING summer! One that goes right up there with my 2007 summer! AMAZING.

 I know I moved up to Utah for a reason, I sure learned alot and I guess its going to take time to see what will become of these decisions...

Arriving home.

I was greeted by my cousins and brother. All who smelled like stinky boys but I didn't care it was great to see them.

Next walking into the house was insane!

Betty, attcked, well jumped on my from excitement. I've never seen her get so happy like that. haha. She had my attention for a good 10 min to calm her down. Then hugs to the family.

but this post is for my youngest sister KRISTEN.

She is one hilarious girl. I wish there was a video camera that followed her around because she says and does the most random /funny things! haha.

Tonight she walked around with a dr pepper box on her head because she was shy...haha. I don't know how to describe my darling sister, she definately keeps all of us laughing.

I'm happy to be home. We'll see what this time around in AZ will be like what adventures and Shinanigans I get into! :)

to my UTAH friends.

I love you. miss you.

and will never forget you!

Love,

Your navajo!

"Dont freak out!"

August 12th.

Marks the day when my little group went separate ways for awhile.

Jenna headed to San Diego for the weekend to prep for her mission and go though the TEMPLE!

Doobs is going to the DR

Addi and Bart are headed for Minnesota

Brigham and Casey remain here doin what they do best! haha. I'm sure I'll see them.

We all decided to go out with a bang for the next weeks we won't all be together.

Last Night.
A fun night at Sub Zero ice cream and swimming. No matter where we go the conversations are hilarious! haha. All night the typical group question "So guys what are we going to do??, I don't know what do you want to do?" haha. suggestions from floating the provo at midnight to dollar movies.
Today.
Went to Pantrucas for lunch.
Helped clean up the room, and Jenna Pack.
Floated the Provo River.
Minus  two friends Casey and Jenna. Sad...

We began our journey. As soon as we stepped foot in the FREEZING river we all knew it was going to be an adventure!

6 people. 3 tubes.

Rylie and I were the first to flip our Tube, within the first two minutes in the river we hit tree branches; then watch our tube AND shoes float the river without us. Where were the boys you ask?? already out of sight. the current was pretty fast. Ry and I looked at each other like WHAT NOW?? haha. so we had to walk down the side of the bank to find the boys. Luckily they were waiting for us a ways down with our tube and shoes.

Next to Flip were Alex and Brigham.

They win the

MOST TIMES TO FALL OFF A TUBE

award.

I don't blame them, the tube they were on was meant for one person.

The greatest fall from them and the frequently used comment out of Brigham's mouth was

"Alex don't Freak out! Don't freak out, you'll tip us"

I can't blame Alex for freaking out:

1. the water was cold!

2. there were Rocks all over the place

3. We got pushed to the side all the time,

so you'd be freaking out too

if you saw a HUGE rock in your way.

But everytime they fell off, Brigham got the beating.

Dragged under Addi and Bart's tube.

Cut his foot, bruises on his knees.

He's a warrior.

The last time they flipped, you could tell Brigham wasn't going to give in and give up. he launched himself onto my tube and bart's and held for dear life, then all of a sudden Bart grabs his Shorts and Tries to pull him up, with Alex pulling Brig's arms. Great team effort and Picture! haha.

 

 We all played a part to help each other. There was one point where we tried to keep away from the bank so we would turn the other persons tube or push off from the sides, I can't describe it but after awhile we got the hang of it.

Here is a video of the adventure after Brigham's great fall. The audio is hard to hear because its Windy.

A really sad thing that happened aside from all the injuries...

I LOST MY LEFT SHOE! :(

They'd fallen off 3 times on the trip. each time saved by the boys. But the 4th time they weren't so lucky...Lesson learned. No flip flops when you float the river! haha.

First time doing it what can I say! haha.

 

"We can be your Hero baby!"

Today I donated Blood for the First time!

Jenna was right by my side!

I was a bit nervous only because the last time I had blood taken was when I was younger and even then I had some pretty crazy situations. haha

I know what Vein to use when giving blood, I have DEEP veins so its always hard to get it right the first time. I show the nurse where the vein is EVERYTIME but they are convinced they are experts and can find a bigger one. WELL I was right as always, she "Thought" she felt the vein and after getting a second opinion and DIGGING around in my skin they found it. When if they would of just listened they would of gotten it the first time. haha. I laugh because when I was younger I had more the 4 nurses come in and try to get a vein, sticking both of my arms to a total of 10 times! insane right...SO I think i'm pretty much an expert at where to draw blood from. haha.

I sat there watching a pint of blood being taken from me. Excited that I finally did it. Of course you always get the goof balls that tease the first timers. My friend matt text me saying "Just thought you might want to know that giving blood increases your chance of one day contracting yellow fever by and astounding 34 percent" goofy matt! haha. Then another guy from my ward tried telling me that it was a painful experience, comparing it to getting a tattoo, because he has so much experience in it. I laughed.

Overall, a thumbs up in experience. I was comfortable, and it went well. Next step to give plasma!

its called being spontaneous!

Guess who went to the Valley of the Sun this past weekend! Yup! this girl right here!

The Plan.
Last Tuesday while at Sammy's eating a Shake, my friends Brigham and Casey were discussing a trip to Arizona. My ears perked up as soon as they said it, instantly I wanted to go. The money topic came, so I felt this was my chance to pipe in; volunteering my parents house to save money. Interested, they agreed. By that point Brigham decided not to go, leaving the trip to be just me and Casey. (Now casey if you read this know that you are my friend!) haha. Well I was a little nervous first of all to be going with just Brigham and Casey only because I barely met them a couple weeks prior. But then having it be just Casey? I hope and prayed that my family wouldn't scare him off or anything. haha. So the plan was made. Thursday morning.

Thursday came and words could not describe my excitement...I was going HOME.

The drive.
Was a blast!
Luckily Casey and I have the same taste in music, so that was a bonus, AND had some good laughs along the way. I felt like I had known Casey for awhile. haha. I have to say the music we jammed out to the most was 90's music. I introduced him to alot of the newer music of today, it was interesting how much of my stuff he didn't know...and vice versa. Lol. It seems like when I travel with people TO arizona they end up getting a ticket. haha. Passing through Fillmore and BAM a highway patrolman gets Casey. just 10 over. Lol. The cop acted all tough and Casey handled it well. If it was me I would of been shakin from bein nervous to also bein mad that I got pulled over. haha. just $90. Lol. "Oh well, I was due for one, its been 6 years" said Casey as we drove off.

Another cool highlight from our trip down was our "Starburst Station" I suggest everyone have one of these in your car. I got teased my my wrapper folding skills, most people just crumble it up, NOPE not me I actually fold it. haha.

The Heat.

We arrived in the valley about 8pm. A nice 10 hr drive. We swtiched in Page so I got to make the AZ drive. As soon as we were on the 101, passin the casinos-Tempe Marketplace-San Tan Parkway. I knew I was home, and boy home never looked so good!

Beware of Dog...Oops!
When we got to the house, my family was out at dinner, and my amazing friend Tanay had dinner waiting for us at her house. Before dinner I had to go to the house, as soon as we walked in my dog Betty starts barking with excitment, and greeted me with jumping and wagging her tail. As I enjoyed her excitment, Casey didn't get the same welcome. Let's just say my dog nearly attacked him. haha. I had to physically pick her up and remove her from the house. My pitbull/lab didn't not like the guest. Not the first time, but I forgot how protective she can be. Luckily she warmed up to Casey, and the rest of the weekend wasn't a disaster.

Dinner.

Tanay you can be my personal chef! We had chicken fajita tacos!! AHH amazing!!! with homeade guacamole and salsa. You have one lucky husband Tanay! He gets to eat like that ALL the time!

Friday.

Casey went to the wedding and I headed out to the CLUB. Before I walked in the door Eli ran out and tackled me! I was happy to see my best friend once again! The fun part came...walking into the gym during announcements. A second in the door and whispers and gasps begin. "NICHELLE!" " IS THAT--??" "LOOK NICHELLE IS HERE!" It was an amazing day, full of hugs and questions of  "when are you done in living in Utah??" "I miss you!" "Come back to Red Mountain" "Don't leave" great day with great kids! The same thing happened with the teens but more dramatic. I thought I got tackled by Eli?? NO WAY! I had 6 Teens run me into a wall, they were so excited to see me.

I was there for a good 5 hours, talking to old friends, teens, and kids. GREAT DAY!

Finally came back to Gilbert, and visited Kylee! Later that night picked up Casey, and played cards with the family.

The Fun Part.

My Aunt Kay and her two kids came to town. Now when my mom and aunt get together who knows what jokes will come or sarcasm. Luckily Casey being the sarcastic guy he is was able to be witty back. I can be pretty witty myself, but that night I was just there to listen, laugh, and play. haha. Let my family do the teasing. haha. We had a blast at each game we played!

Saturday.

We were supposed to leave, but for one I was WAY too tired, and wanted to be with my family one more day. Casey was a good sport about it, and agreed. My dad had tickets to the Diamonbacks game that night, and so we got the opportunity to go to that. My families ward was there also, and having never been in that ward because they moved into it while i was in Singles ward, most of the time people don't know that my parents have a 20 year old. So you know what that means I'm the one people talk about...like "I wonder if she's inactive?" or "I wonder why they never mentioned they had a 20 year old." haha. We had a good time! the Dbacks pulled through and won. Casey and I rode in style to the game in my dad's Chrysler 300. Afterwards we went to AZ mills to see a movie--The Other Guys. Sadly I FELL ASLEEP!! first time ever! I paid $7 to take a nap. WASTE! haha. Casey said it was a good movie...so I'll take his word for it.

Sunday.

We drove home. Way more quiet drive home than before. For me it was weird seeing Casey so quiet becasue he was very talkitive the entire weekend. We both had a pretty good nap while one person drove. We saw a FULL rainbow as we drove through Utah, I saw lightning strike a mile away from the car. It was LOUD, and Casey finally got his Jack in the Box. haha.

A Summary.
Overall it was an amazing trip. Recharged my battery. I miss home that's for sure. But I know I'm here in Utah for a reason, and I know there are some things I need to change *coughs* my Job. I'm excited for school to start! This semester will be pretty interesting-especially when the snow comes!

If I didn't get to see you in Arizona, know that I still love you! haha.